Another step closer

[paulb]

This started nearly 5 years ago when I bought the fuchi kashira and menuki. I decided to put them in to a koshirae for the Shikkake naginata naoshi shown in a previous post. The Koshirae was duly created. At the time the only tsuba I had was a Ko-shoami sukashi "boars eye" tsuba which I duly added. Recently a far better suited piece came up for sale. The images below show the completed set. At some point the tsuba may go for restoration to freshen up the worn areas of gold and shakudo but at the moment the wear doesn't offend or detract too much from the end result. Who knows in another 5 years it might be finished!

[Bugyotsuji]

Leave the wear. Lovely package. No problem at all! 

 

PS What previous thread?

[paulb]

Hi Piers

I am inclined to agree with you which is why I am not rushing in to restoration. The wear might be considered different colouring in the rodents. 

I will take some time to think about it.

The Shikkake Naginata Naoshi is the one I photographed not so long ago. It also is written up in an early article in the article section under the heading "study of a Juyo blade"

At the time of writing there were far fewer in circulation (I think less than 10 in the UK then) So the title seemed more appropriate then than now!

[Alex A]

Very nice fittings Paul

[Jean]

Sober and select, typically the reflect of its owner congrats Paul

[ROKUJURO]

I like that combination, and if it were mine, I would even leave the TSUBA as is. That is no damage in my eyes but honorable use.

[ROKUJURO]

The blade: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/31229-shikkake-naginata-naoshi/?hl=%2Bshikkake+%2Bnaginata+%2Bnaoshi

[TheGermanBastard]

I am happy my Tsuba found such a good new home and keeper! A very nice Koshirae

[Peter Bleed]

Paul,

What a wonderful project and a wonderful approach to collecting. It is truly beyond anything I could either do or aspire to. And I will add my voice to the comments of others who counseled ignoring the "wear" on the tsuba. In 400 years when this sword is being appreciated - as I'm sure it will be - the "wear" will have disappeared but observers will wonder what Daimyo wore this sword.

Peter

[Rich S]

Paul

 

Love the mice! A very nice tastefully done koshirae. I agree with the others, no further restoration needed.

I've tried to put together a marriage set in gold horses, but have no sword/saya to mount them.

I admire your patience.

Rich

[paulb]

Thank you all for the positive comments. It has been a labour of love and I was very lucky for the various components to appear at the right time. I confess to having had to make very little effort. 

Rich

re: patience, I think my wife would fall on the floor laughing at the thought of me being patient

I will leave the tsuba as is for the time being and see how I feel about it after living with it for a while.

In the meantime I have  other blades to consider putting a koshirae together.

Thanks again to all who commented.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Beautiful, Paul. Obviously lots of thought went into it.